impractical dream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impractical dream" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dream or aspiration that is unrealistic or not feasible to achieve. Example: "While it's great to have ambitions, sometimes we need to recognize when an impractical dream is holding us back from pursuing more attainable goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It had been an impractical dream, to be sure, but it had heft and integrity, just as Margaret Thatcher's big ideas had.

The New Yorker

The staff in a small office at Hadep headquarters in Ankara, listening raptly to the programming, said Turkish Kurds recognized that an independent Kurdistan was an impractical dream.

The New York Times

In these circumstances, the very idea of retirement is fast becoming an impractical dream.

BBC

As he received his medal, he handed then-President Ronald Reagan his 16-page proposal that said the bridge was "not an impractical dream" and would increase commerce and tourism.

Los Angeles Times

Do I have an impractical dream that I once abandoned?

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Collecting the archive of drawings and correspondence would help to ensure against falling for impractical dreams again.

The Guardian

Some people will maintain that a bankrupt father, an impecunious background and impractical dreams are just the luck of the draw.

The New York Times

Despite rumors that bigwigs from the auto establishment conspired to destroy Tucker, Tremulis believes the failure lay in mismanagement and impractical dreams.

Los Angeles Times

This is not a theoretical or ideologically driven organisation that dreams up impractical ideas, and we are truly independent.

The Guardian

Instead, everything boils down to a dreary revolutionary faith, which, like the chandelier, is merely a tragic dream, cumbersome and impractical.

The New York Times - Books

The creation of a car that flies, however, has captured the popular imagination for more than 100 years but in all that time it has remained, for the most part, an impractical, and often extremely dangerous, dream.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impractical dream", ensure the context clearly establishes why the dream is not feasible, such as lacking resources, being based on unrealistic assumptions, or conflicting with practical constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "impractical dream" in contexts where a degree of optimism or encouragement is intended. The phrase carries a negative connotation and can discourage action, even if the goal is challenging. Consider a more neutral or positive framing if motivation is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impractical dream" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of dream. The adjective "impractical" modifies the noun "dream", indicating that the dream is not feasible or realistic. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impractical dream" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, although relatively rare in occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a dream or aspiration that is not realistic or feasible. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its primary function is to critically assess the attainability of a goal. While the phrase carries a negative connotation, it can be useful in providing realistic assessments. Alternatives such as "unrealistic ambition" or "pipe dream" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances, allowing for precise communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly explains why the dream is not feasible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pipe dream

Indicates a fanciful or illusory hope.

impossible aspiration

Stresses the complete lack of feasibility.

unrealistic ambition

Highlights the lack of grounding in reality.

quixotic pursuit

Emphasizes the impractical and idealistic nature of the endeavor.

unattainable aspiration

Focuses on the impossibility of reaching the goal.

unachievable objective

Highlights the insurmountable obstacles.

far-fetched goal

Emphasizes the improbability of success.

illusory hope

Focuses on the deceptive nature of the dream.

romanticized vision

Highlights the idealized and unrealistic nature of the dream.

delusional fantasy

Suggests a detachment from reality.

FAQs

How can I use "impractical dream" in a sentence?

You can use "impractical dream" to describe a goal or aspiration that is unlikely to be achieved due to various constraints or unrealistic expectations. For example, "His ambition to become a professional astronaut was an "impractical dream" given his health condition".

What is a synonym for "impractical dream"?

Alternatives to "impractical dream" include "unrealistic goal", "unattainable aspiration", or "pipe dream". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "impractical dream"?

Use "impractical dream" when you want to convey that a particular goal or ambition is unlikely to be achieved due to a lack of resources, feasibility, or alignment with reality. It's suitable when providing a realistic assessment, even if it's a discouraging one.

Is there a difference between "impractical dream" and "impossible dream"?

While both suggest difficulty in achieving a goal, "impractical dream" implies that the goal is unfeasible due to practical reasons or constraints, whereas "impossible dream" suggests that the goal is, by its very nature, unattainable. An "impossible dream" may disregard practicality but focus on inherent limitations.